Robert Dana Sidaway

Robert Dana Sidaway, 63, of Ocean Springs, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dana was born October 18, 1948 in Livingston Manor New York and was a 1966 graduate of Biloxi High School where he enjoyed sports. He was a member of the 305th Field Hospital, Army Reserve Unit in Gulfport. He was employed at South Central Bell for 30 years where he established many lasting friendships. It was those friendships that gave him so many fond memories. After retiring he became a member of the Telephone Pioneers, and worked as an independent contractor for several years before being employed with Byers Engineering until his death. He was a devoted father and will be remembered by his family and friends for always being available to help those in need, giving advice, his love of a great game of golf, passion for fishing, and his lovable, kind and sincere personality. He was so easy to talk to and be around. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends. Dana always made everyone feel at ease and loved. He was also great cook, not to mention, he made a fantastic gumbo. He loved the culture of living on the coast and appreciated God's natural beauty of the south. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert Ernest Sidaway, paternal grandparents Robert Ernest and Lillian Helms Sidaway of Livingston Manor N.Y., maternal grandparents James Ernest and Zenobia Robinson Seymour of Biloxi MS., and his best friend and companion of 16 years J'ly.
He is survived by his wife Kathy Sidaway of Ocean Springs, his children Dr. Brian Sidaway (Kristin) of Mandeville, LA., Kevin Sidaway of D'Iberville, Kristen Sidaway (Steven) of Biloxi, his mother Elizabeth Seymour Sidaway of Ocean Springs, his brother Darryl Sidaway (Judy) of Biloxi, three grandchildren, Ashley, Katelyn, and Steven and five grandchildren, Shelby, Nathan, Fiona, Elwyn, and Julian.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday April 9, 2012 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs, where friends may visit one hour prior to the service. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME in Biloxi assisted the family with arrangements.
The family would like to thank Doctors Gatewood and Saconn and the Acute Care Unit and its staff at Singing River Hospital. And a Special thanks to Dr. Tricia Aultman and Nurse Darlene for their care, love and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to the American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS. 39507 in memory of Robert Dana Sidaway.